Republican voters in the 36th Congressional District have an opportunity to correct a major mistake when they decide in a few weeks who should succeed a congressman whose antics in office have been an embarrassment to the district and a distraction from serious issues that affect both district residents and the nation.

U.S. Rep. Steve Stockman, R-Friendswood, chose a quixotic challenge to U.S. Sen. John Cornyn rather than seek re-election; for voters of the 36th, it was the best decision he's made since being elected in 2012. Not only will the rogue representative be vacating the House, but he won't be in the Senate either. The veteran senator will flick him aside the way a horse shudders away a fly.

Thirteen GOP candidates jumped into the race when Stockman announced at the last minute that he wouldn't be seeking re-election. They include a dentist, an insurance agent and retired Army officer, a teacher and a small-business owner. Although the 13 all agree on signature Republican concerns - anti-abortion, pro Second Amendment, anti-amnesty for immigrants who are undocumented - only one, we believe, has the combination of maturity, experience and familiarity with the issues that we consider vital for election to Congress.

That candidate is John Manlove, a businessman, former Pasadena mayor and longtime resident of the district. Manlove, 61, served on the Pasadena City Council for eight years before being elected mayor in 2001. Serving two terms, he takes credit for delivering a smaller, more effective and more efficient city government. When he left office in 2008, Pasadena enjoyed a balanced budget, a $2.3 million surplus and a significantly lower crime rate.

Manlove is conversant with issues that are important to this diverse district, particularly the coastal areas. He supports the Ike Dike as a means of protecting Galveston Bay and is concerned about rising flood insurance rates. He also seeks a new, long-term vision for NASA.

The solidly Republican 36th runs from suburbs on the eastern edge of Harris County, including Baytown and part of Pasadena, through the upscale communities surrounding the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center and into lightly populated counties along the Louisiana border.

The district deserves energetic and responsive representation. Manlove, we believe, will provide just that.

The winner of the GOP primary will face Democratic candidate Michael Cole and one of two Libertarian candidates.